¿nos podemos ir?
The English phrase 'can we go' is translated into Spanish as ¿nos podemos ir?
This phrase is used specifically when the speaker is part of a group that is currently at a location and wishes to depart. It functions as a request for permission to leave a place.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive pronoun nos (us/ourselves), the verb poder (to be able to/can) and the verb ir (to go).
Which one should you use?
While ¿nos podemos ir? is a standard way to ask, you can also use ¿Podemos salir? to ask if you can go out or leave a place or the slangy ¿Podemos largarnos? for a much more informal tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use ¿Podemos marcharnos? to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The reflexive pronoun nos can be placed either before the conjugated verb or attached to the end of the infinitive. Therefore, ¿Nos podemos ir? and ¿Podemos irnos? are grammatically equivalent alternatives.
Did you know?
- The verb ir is a linguistic puzzle because it uses three different Latin roots to form its basic tenses. The present uses 'īre', the 'I go' form comes from 'vādere' and the past tense is borrowed from 'esse', the root for 'to be'.
- Using the verb largarse in your request, such as ¿Podemos largarnos?, changes the nuance from a polite request to an expression of wanting to escape a boring or unpleasant situation.
Examples in context
- ¡Estoy lista! ¿Nos podemos ir?I'm ready! Can we go?This sentence shows how to use ¿nos podemos ir? after stating that one is ready.Tatoeba #1808407 by marcelostockle, translation #1808402 by Eldad
- ¿Sería posible que nos vayamos antes?Would it be possible for us to leave early?
- Si terminas, ¿nos podemos ir?If you finish, can we go?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a boring party.
- ElenaEstoy muy cansada. ¿Nos podemos ir?I am very tired. Can we go?
- JavierSí, busquemos el coche.Yes, let's find the car.
- ElenaGracias, Javier.Thank you, Javier.
- JavierVamos, Elena.Let's go, Elena.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ir, nos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
